The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1887-11-02

! do not suppose that you, or very
many of your readers, will endorse
the views I here present touching
the further effort to secure prohibi-
ton in this State. But you will be
fair enough, am sure, to print what
I have to say, even if you do not en-
d0rse it.
l. WHAT CAUSED DEFEAT?
The non-partisan effort to secure
the Amendment failed because lead
ers in the Republican and Demo-
cratic parties used their influence
as partisans against it. No one can
doubt fora moment that prohibition
would have been grandly triumph
ant but for the opposition it received
from certain new apapers and speak
ers cf buth p5r'ies. Republican
an:io working and using their in
fluence with Republicans and Dem
0crats with Democrats.
1t is safe to say that, ger orally,
the Amendment received very little
support from the partisan politician
Of either party; and it may be con-
fidently relied upor that these men
will be devising and watching, from
this time forward, to keep the tenn
perance people quiet. There will
be Democrats and Republicans who
will in good faith endeavor to make
unequivocal platforms, and who
will commit themselves personally,
to positive positions on the unset
tied problem we still have before us;
but the politicians, as a class, will
openly stand by the saloon, or trim
around so that they may not give it
offense. There is reason for antic-
ipating such course by them. The
saloon has Q hold in politics and a
hold on politicians that cannot be
ignored. It's machinery is perfect.
It has but one idea, and that is to
protect it's interest, and to this end
1t knows no party. Any man of
any party who antagonizes it is
crushed. The saloon vote is solid,
where it's interest is at stake, and II
is because this is so that politicians
look after it so carefully.
2. NOT AFRAID OF KON.PARTIsAN
PRoHIBlTIoNIsTs.
Why are not politicians as afraid
Of the ll7,OOO prohibitionists of the
State as they are of the 1000 saloon
keepers? Answer-Because the
prohibitionists suffer themselves te
be divided in elections by other is
sues, while the saloon men with
their victims stand alone for on.
idea-the saloon. Answer No. 2
Because prohibitionists don't max,
prohibition the paramount question
And until they do this in ever,
election they will not effecs thei
aim.
l believe that the last Constitu
tional Amendment by separate stat
action, has been obtained. Such ef
forts are met by the whole liquo
power of the United States concen
:. trated, and in the present condition
of the political machinery, almos
irresistible. In Oregon where nov
a campaign, like to the one we hav
just passed through, is progressing
we see the same defiant power a
work, and we shall not be disar
pointed if defeat meet the temper
ance people.
8. NO ISSUES BETWEEN THE Tw
PARTIES.
l deny that there is any materis
difference between the policies {
the Democratic and Republican pal
ties. You may select passages frol
the Democratic platforms and rea
to the average Republican, and
he knew not from what you rea,
he will indorse it as good Republ
can doctrine; and, vice versa. tn
planks ofdepunciation and tive vie
with alarm" are virtually the sui
stance of these old party platform
II there is a live issue betwee
them, let somebody state it. 1t
my firm belief that no good rease
can be. given for the continued e.
istence Of either of these old pa
ties. They but serve to keep ali,
the history and hates of the pas
Ishonld be glad to see both dissol
ed and new parties arise with issu
representing tie progressive i
stincts of the people.